Citations

Abstract Background: Venous thrombotic events (VTE) are a common complication of therapy with the lenalidomide plus dexamethasone regimen. The incidence of VTE with RD is approximately 20%, and can be lowered with the use of effective thromboprophylaxis, avoidance of erythropoietin, and the use of lower doses of dexamethasone. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of VTE on overall survival of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma by studying events occurring in ECOG E4A03 phase III trial of lenalidomide plus high (standard) dose dex (RD) versus lenalidomide plus low dose dex (Rd) in newly diagnosed myeloma (MM). Methods: Pts with untreated, symptomatic MM were eligible. Pts in the RD arm (Arm A) received lenalidomide 25 mg/day PO days 1–21 every 28 days plus dex 40 mg days 1–4, 9–12, and 17–20 PO every 28 days; pts in the Rd arm (Arm B) received lenalidomide at the same dose plus dex 40 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22 PO every 28 days. The trial initially did not mandate routine thromboprophylaxis, but recommended that such treatment be considered. After the first 264 patients were enrolled the trial was amended to require mandatory thromboprophylaxis of aspirin for all patients, with a recommendation to use stronger thromboprophylaxis with either warfarin (target INR 2–3) or low molecular weight heparin among patients in the RD arm. Results: 445 pts (median age, 65 yrs) were accrued; 223 randomized to RD, 222 to Rd. Median follow-up time is 30 months. Overall VTE including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 18.5% of patients; 25.6% in Arm A and 11.4% in Arm B. Rates for the first 4 cycles of treatment were 20.2% in Arm A and 8.2% in Arm B, P<0.01. Rates did not change substantially before and after the prophylaxis amendment. A partial response (PR) or higher was seen in 82.1% of pts who experienced VTE compared with 74.6% of pts who did not experience VTE, P=0.19. Overall VGPR rates also were not inferior. Pts who had VTE, however, had significantly higher other grade 3–5 toxicities such as hyperglycemia (14.6% vs 7.5%, P=0.051), cardiac ischemia (4.9% vs 0.8%, P=0.002), non-neuropathic weakness (13.4% vs 6.4%, P=0.039), infection/pneumonia (17.1% vs 11.1%, P=0.138) and fatigue (18.3% vs 10.5%, P=0.060). In a Cox PH model, VTE status as a time-varying covariate was marginally significant: HR 1.54 95%CI (0.96–2.47), P=0.074, suggesting patients that develop VTE have a higher hazard of death. Conclusions: The occurrence of VTE may adversely affect the survival of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma receiving Rev-Dex. VTE was associated with a higher frequency of other serious adverse events. Prevention of VTE events is a priority. Besides lowering the dose of dexamethasone, studies investigating optimum thromboprophylaxis are needed.

TPS8052 Background: The most common translocation in multiple myeloma (MM) is t(11;14)(q13;q32), present in approximately 20% of cases. MM cells with t(11;14) usually have a favorable high BCL-2 level and inferior outcomes compared to standard risk MM. Venetoclax (VEN) is a potent, selective, orally available small-molecule BCL-2 inhibitor that induces cell death in MM cell lines and primary samples. VEN has single agent activity in relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) with an acceptable safety profile, especially in t(11;14) MM; however, non- t(11;14) MM patients may benefit from single agent VEN and VEN incorporated in multi-agent RRMM regimens. Dexamethasone (d) promotes Bcl-2 dependence in MM resulting in sensitivity to VEN and this combination with bortezomib (Vd-VEN) has an acceptable safety profile with high response rates in heavily pre-treated MM. Combination therapy with daratumumab and bortezomib (DVd) has become a standard of care in RRMM. Our hypotheses are that the addition of VEN will improve upon this standard and be most effective in the t(11;14) positive subset. Methods: Eligibility criteria include RRMM with measurable disease, not bortezomib refractory, platelet count > 100K. t(11;14) is an integral biomarker with status (positive or negative) established at registration. After a Ph1 study to determine the recommended phase 2 VEN dose, patients are randomized to DVd +/- VEN [stratified by prior lines of therapy and R-ISS]. The primary Ph2 objectives are to compare 8-cycle minimal residual disease (MRD) negative rate and to inform the role of t(11;14) as a biomarker. The Ph2 design proposed by Freidlin et al. follows a decision algorithm as outlined in the table below. Simulations were run to establish an optimal sample size given various parameters including biomarker prevalence and power to make appropriate decisions for a Ph3 design. Target Ph2 accrual is 240 patients with a 1/3 positive:2/3 negative t(11;14) split. Clinical trial information: NCT03701321. [Table: see text]

8001 Background: Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a precursor to myeloma, wherein current standard of care is observation (obs). Data from a randomized Spanish trial (Mateos et al, NEJM 2015) suggest that lenalidomide(len)/dexamethasone improves time to developing myeloma (TTP) and overall survival (OS) for patients (pts) with high risk (HR) SMM over obs. However, pts were not screened with advanced imaging techniques, used a HR definition that is not routinely available, and combination therapy limited the ability to isolate the effect of len, and thus has not become standard of care. Methods: E3A06 is a randomized phase III intergroup trial, testing the effect of single agent len compared with obs for pts with intermediate or high risk SMM. In an initial phase II run in all pts received len to demonstrate safety. Eligibility required ≥10% PCs and abnormal serum FLC ratio (<0.26 or >1.65). The primary endpoint was progression PFS was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the one-sided stratified log-rank test. Results: PII enrolled 44 pts and PIII randomized 182 pts to either len (n=90) or obs (n=92) [stratified on time since SMM diagnosis ≤1y vs >1y]. Baseline characteristics were similar between the arms. 80% (PII) and 51% (PIII) are off len, primarily due to adverse events (AE) or pt withdrawal. Among the len treated pts, G3/4 non-hematologic AE occurred in 28% of PIII pts with fatigue being most common (n=5). G4 hematologic AE rate was 5.7%, primarily neutropenia (n=4). 3-year cumulative incidence of invasive SPMs was 5.2% (len) and 3.5% (obs). Overall response rate was 47.7% for the phase II study, and in phase III, 48.9% for the len arm, and 0% for the obs arm. Median follow up was 71 months (PII), and 28 months (PIII). 3-year PFS was 87% for the PII cohort. One, 2 and 3-year PFS was 98%, 93%, and 91% for len, and 89%, 76%, and 66% for the obs arm (HR 0.28, p=0.0005) favoring the len arm. No difference in QOL score was noted between arms. Conclusions: Overall, this trial represents the largest randomized trial in SMM to date. In conjunction with the Spanish data, this trial may support a change in clinical practice. Clinical trial information: NCT01169337. [Table: see text]

8592 Background: Accrual to NCI clinical trials(CT)is often slower than planned at times mandating premature closure resulting in loss of valuable resources and delay of scientific progress. Methods: The NCI-MYSC AWG identified 10 potential BtA. SWOG, ECOG and Alliance investigators were queried and agreed that these barriers impede accrual (results stratified for academic and community sites). The MYSC AWG developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Strategies listed for the 3 most often cited BtA: 1. Reimbursement for CT related expenses:increase awareness of improved reimbursement for phase II CT; tailor reimbursement according to CT complexity; request funds from industry and other sources ( http://biqsfp.cancer.gov ) for qualifying ancillary CT components. 2. Spectrum of available treatment options influences CT participation: educate patients and providers about the significance of a new CT using social media, presentations at national meetings and by adding educational material to CT protocol; encourage opinion leaders and advocacy groups not to promote a new therapy as “standard” in the absence of phase III data. 3. Requirement of CT specific therapy at NCI designated sites only: “MYSC AWG Drug Administration Table” describes NCI/FDA approved rules for CT specific drug administration; CT protocol will outline which standard treatment components of a CT can be administered at any site as long as protocol specific guidelines are followed and conduct is supervised by enrolling investigator. Examples of additional strategies to overcome identified BtA: determine feasibility, indication and insurance coverage of CT specific tests during protocol development; discourage narrow eligibility criteria; avoid competing CT; allow up to 1 cycle of commercially available therapy prior to enrollment; CIRB support for phase II CT. Conclusions: The MYSC Accrual Working Group developed in collaboration with NCI and FDA strategies to overcome barriers to myeloma clinical trial accrual. These strategies may be applicable to NCI-sponsored clinical trials evaluating interventions in other diseases.

e19517 Background: Investigators cite complicated test (T) schedules as barriers to the conduct of clinical trials, especially T that do not contribute to outcome or pt safety. In MM protocols, some T are prone to being done inaccurately (e.g. UPEP, 24 hour urine collections), or are not useful (e.g. uric acid, AST/ALT) in determination of response (R) or safety. These T lead to increased cost, protocol violations, and do not enhance outcome. Methods: We analyzed data submitted for pts on E4A03 to examine frequency of missing data for R T: serum and urine (U) PEP, immunofixation (IFE) bone surveys (BS), and safety labs for C1-4. Results: Table outlines % pts with completed T. Most had T for serum M protein, as well as heme T but serum and U PEP, and IFE dropped off by C4. Other T e.g. uric acid were completed in 77%. Only 79% of pts had a BS repeated at C4. Incorrect or missing U data led to categorization of 16/445 (3.6%) pts as ineligible and was most frequent reason for ineligibility (69%). Missing U data led to 13/26 pts not evaluable. Analysis of SAE during the C1-4 revealed no SAE for hyperuricemia and < 5 SAE for AST/ALT. Only 5% of pts had lab-based SAE filed in 4 C. Conclusions: Required U T and BS to assess R in E4A03 were missing or completed inadequately and caused pts to be ineligible and or not evaluable. Such T need to be eliminated or replaced. Strategies to monitor data submission in real time may reduce subject loss due to T error. The requirement for routine T should be reassessed to create simpler trial design. Clinical trial information: NCT00098475. [Table: see text]

8061 Background: RCHOP is the standard first line therapy for DLBCL but elderly patients often receive suboptimal doses. Relative dose intensity (RDI) less than 70-90% has previously been associated with inferior survival in CHOP treated patients. We now investigate the clinical determinants of immunochemotherapy dose delivery and comparative effectiveness of dose intensity on lymphoma-specific outcomes in persons over the age of 60. Methods: SPORE MER (Molecular Epidemiology Resource) is a prospectively accrued observational study in which University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic patients with a diagnosis of Non Hodgkins lymphoma have been enrolled since 2003. We reviewed data from the Iowa patients along with medical records from DLBCL patients over the age of 60 treated with anthracycline based chemo immunotherapy consecutively enrolled up through to December 2009. Statistical tests of associations between RDI and clinicopathologic factors, as well as survival outcomes, were performed. Results: We identified 92 patients over the age of 60. The median age was 70. 47 subjects experienced at least 1 dose reduction, 26 subjects had dose delays, and 20 subjects were unable to complete therapy. RDI ranged from 0.30-1.70 (median 0.92) for doxorubicin and from 0.29-1.70 (median 0.97) for cyclophosphamide. 24 and 19% of subjects received < 80% of RDI for dox and cy respectively. Age (p< 0.001 for both dox and cy) and performance status (p=0.04 for dox) but not number of medications, ACE27 co-morbidity score, body surface area, nor need for acute care visits were associated with decreased RDI. Adjusted for IPI, RDI did NOT have a significant effect on event-free or lymphoma-specific survival. Conclusions: Among clinical variables, age is the dominant variable associated with delivery dose intensity for chemotherapy in elderly patients treated for DLBCL; and among elderly patients receiving chemo immunotherapy, we did not find an association between dose intensity and lymphoma-specific outcomes. [Table: see text]

17516 Background: The p53 tumor suppressor is commonly inactivated by mutations. Even in tumors without mutations, there are defects in the response to p53 activation. In MM, the prognostic significance of p53 mutation is unknown, while there has been no systematic study of p53 function. We seek to address these issues in this study. Methods: p53 mutation was studied by conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis with primers encompassing exons 1 to 10 followed by sequencing of DNA fragments with altered electrophoretic pattern in newly diagnosed MM patients entered into ECOG E9486 trial where patients were randomized to receive variations of melphalan-based conventional chemotherapy (VBMCP). Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare variables between patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. To investigate p53 function, we analyzed the expression of p53, and 3 of its transcriptional targets, APAF1, p21 and MDM2, in a separate cohort of 15 normal plasma cells (PC), 14 MGUS, 13 smoldering myeloma (SMM) and 101 MM (73 new and 28 relapsed) from the Mayo Clinic who had gene expression profiling performed on the Affymetrix U133A chip (Santa Clara, Ca). Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight patients had enough materials for study and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of p53 mutation was 3% (n = 9). Five of the 9 patients (56%, p = 0.001) with mutations also had p53 deletion (studied by fluorescent in-situ hybridization) resulting in bi-allelic loss of p53. Soft tissue plasmacytomas (37% v 7%, p = 0.018), and among the common translocations, t(4;14) and t(14;16) (50% v 18%) were more common in patients with p53 mutations. Despite similar response to treatment, those with p53 mutation had very short OS (16.7 v 41.4 months, p < 0.001). There was induction of p53 expression in MGUS and SMM with concurrent induction of APAF1, p21 and MDM2 whereas loss of this pattern was frequent in MM (45% in new MM and 60% in relapse MM compared to 15% in MGUS/SMM (p = 0.03)). Conclusions: p53 mutations are relatively rare in newly diagnosed MM patients but portend a short survival. However, functional abnormalities of p53 are prevalent and may be important in progression from MGUS/SMM to MM. [Table: see text]

LBA8025 Background: We compared lenalidomide plus high (standard) dose Dex (R+HighD) versus lenalidomide plus low dose Dex (R+LowD) in newly diagnosed MM. Methods: Pts with untreated, symptomatic MM were eligible. Pts in both arms received lenalidomide 25 mg/day PO days 1–21 every 28 days. In addition, pts in the R+HighD arm received Dex 40 mg days 1–4, 9–12, and 17–20 PO every 28 days; pts in the R+LowD arm received Dex 40 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22 PO every 28 days. The primary null hypothesis was that response rates at 4 months on the 2 arms are equivalent. Planned sample size was 196 eligible pts per arm with one-sided 0.10 Type I and 0.05 Type II error rate. Pre-planned interim analysis is performed by an independent DMC when full information is available on 25%, 50% and 75% of accrual. All analysis were intent to treat. Results: 445 pts (median age, 65 yrs) were accrued; 223 randomized to R+HighD, 222 to R+LowD. Arms were well balanced for age, gender, stage, bone lesions, hemoglobin, beta-2 microglobulin, performance status, bone marrow plasma cells, and M protein levels at baseline. Major grade 3 or higher toxicities included thromboembolism (22.1% with R+HighD vs 6.1% in R+LowD), infection/pneumonia (15.7% vs 7.5%) and hyperglycemia (9.7% vs 6.6%). Grade 3 or higher non-hematologic toxicities occurred in 65.9% (R+HighD) versus 54.9% (R+LowD) respectively; corresponding grade 4 or higher rates were 20.3% vs 13.1% respectively. Overall survival (OS) at first interim analysis was significantly superior with R+LowD, P<0.001; one year survival 96.5% (R+LowD) versus 86% (Rev+HighD). OS differences in favor of R+LowD were seen in pts <65 (P=0.015; one year rate 98% vs 90%) and pts 65 and older (P=0.004; one year rate 95% vs 83%), respectively. DMC recommended release of survival results, and recommended switching all pts to R+LowD. DMC also recommended closure of an expansion phase trial of R+HighD investigating optimal thromboprophylaxis. Conclusions: Lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is associated with superior OS compared to lenalidomide plus high-dose dexamethasone. This study has major implications for future use of high-dose dexamethasone in the treatment of MM. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Abstract Background: Race/ethnicity is associated with disparate incidence and outcomes in MM, as seen in population-based studies. Their effect on outcomes has not been reported in prospective studies. Obesity is the most consistently associated modifiable risk factor for MM and is influenced by race/ethnicity but its association with outcomes has not been explored. We analyzed patient-level data from published ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients (pts) to explore the interplay of race/ethnicity, obesity and outcomes. Methods: Pooled data from 9 ECOG-ACRIN/SWOG clinical trials (E1A06, E4A03, E1A00, E2A02, E5A93, E9486, S0204, S0232, S9321) in NDMM (1988-2011) were analyzed. Pts were divided by race: White (W), African-American (AA), other (O); race/ethnicity: Hispanic (H), non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic AA (NHAA), non-Hispanic other (NHO); and body mass index (BMI): <25, 25-29.9, ≥30. Associations between these and baseline pt/disease characteristics were assessed using chi-square (categorical) and Wilcoxon rank sum (continuous) tests. Survival distributions were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups using log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios in univariate and multivariate models. Time to event data was censored at 6 yrs. Results: Pt distribution by race, race/ethnicity and BMI is shown in Table 1. Race: AA were younger than W (median 59 vs 62 yr), had significantly more females (48% vs 40%; p=0.001) and had a smaller proportion of pts ≥70 yr (18% vs 26%; p<0.001). Median BMI was highest in AA (27.2) and lowest in O (24) (p=0.001) but not significantly different categorically between W and AA only (p=0.908). AA had significantly more pts with hemoglobin (Hb) ≤10 g/dL than W (55% vs 36%; p<0.001). Median creatinine (Cr) was 1.3 mg/dL in O and 1.1 mg/dL in W (p=0.03). There were no differences by race for ECOG performance status (PS), MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype, serum calcium (Ca) or β2-microglobulin (β2M). Enrollment to clinical trials over years was significantly different by race (p=0.009). The only study design showing different enrollment by race was with/out stem cell transplant (SCT) (p=0.03; 37% of AA vs 31% of W got SCT trials). Race/Ethnicity: NHO were the youngest (median 58 yr) and NHW the oldest (median 62 yr) subgroup (p<0.001). NHAA had the highest proportion of pts with BMI ≥30 (16%) and NHO the lowest (7%) (p=0.018). H had the smallest proportion of females (33%) while NHO had the largest (54%) (p=0.002). H had the highest number of pts ≥70 yr (28%) and NHAA the smallest (18%) (p=0.003). Anemia rates were significantly different (p<0.001) with Hb ≤10 g/dL in 36% NHW vs 56% in NHAA. No significant differences were seen for PS, MM stage, lytic lesions, paraprotein subtype or other lab parameters. H and NHAA were enrolled in larger numbers in 1992-2011 rather than prior or later years (p<0.001). Among the subgroups, H had largest proportion of patients (75%) on trials without novel agent vs 61.5% for NHW (p=0.047). NHAA had the highest proportion of patients on trials with SCT (38%) while NHO had the smallest (27.3%) (p=0.034). BMI: By gender, 30% of males and 39% of females having BMI <25 (p<0.001). BMI <25 had the highest proportion of pts with ISS stage III (31%) vs 21.5% for ≥30 (p=0.001). A similar trend was seen for DS stage (p=0.005). 64% of ≥30 pts had Hb >10 while 51% of <25 did (p=0.003). There was significant difference in continuous Cr distribution by BMI (p=0.004). Efficacy analysis did not show any significant difference in response rate by race (p=0.132), race/ethnicity (p=0.286) or BMI (p=0.896). In univariate/multivariate analysis, significantly worse overall survival (OS) was seen in males, age ≥70 yr, ECOG PS >0, ISS and DS stage III, presence of lytic lesions, Cr ≥2 mg/dL, Ca >12 mg/dL, Hb ≤10 g/dL. No significant difference was seen in OS or progression free survival by race, race/ethnicity or BMI (Figure 1). Conclusions: Significant differences exist in demographic and clinical characteristics of NDMM pts by race/ethnicity. Median OS was significantly associated with these characteristics but not with race/ethnicity itself. Observed racial/ethnic disparity in outcomes for MM pts may be overcome by access to comparable therapeutic options as seen in clinical trials. Obesity, while associated with MM incidence, does not seem to influence outcomes. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen Inc: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy. Stewart:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Hussein:Celgene: Employment. Zonder:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Other: DSMC membership; Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria. Barlogie:Mount Sinai Hospital: Employment.

PURPOSE Observation is the current standard of care for smoldering multiple myeloma. We hypothesized that early intervention with lenalidomide could delay progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma. METHODS We conducted a randomized trial that assessed the efficacy of single-agent lenalidomide compared with observation in patients with intermediate- or high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. Lenalidomide was administered orally at a dose of 25 mg on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. The primary end point was progression-free survival, with disease progression requiring the development of end-organ damage attributable to multiple myeloma and biochemical progression. RESULTS One hundred eighty-two patients were randomly assigned—92 patients to the lenalidomide arm and 90 to the observation arm. Median follow-up is 35 months. Response to therapy was observed in 50% (95% CI, 39% to 61%) of patients in the lenalidomide arm, with no responses in the observation arm. Progression-free survival was significantly longer with lenalidomide compared with observation (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.62; P = .002). One-, 2-, and 3-year progression-free survival was 98%, 93%, and 91% for the lenalidomide arm versus 89%, 76%, and 66% for the observation arm, respectively. Only six deaths have been reported, two in the lenalidomide arm versus four in the observation arm (hazard ratio for death, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.08 to 2.53). Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic adverse events occurred in 25 patients (28%) on lenalidomide. CONCLUSION Early intervention with lenalidomide in smoldering multiple myeloma significantly delays progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma and the development of end-organ damage.